Brave Conversations with Lee Walls

Christo Hudson shares his journey from being an RAF and commercial pilot to becoming a mental health trainer and advocate. We chat about the impact of the Covid pandemic on identity and mental health, the importance of understanding mental health from a male perspective, and the need for open conversations and safe spaces. This episode comes with a trigger warning as we discuss sensitive issu...

Laurie is a 'career wing woman', meaning she helps mid and senior level women gain skills and confidence to push forward their careers. She emphasises the importance of being bold and brave as many women tend to minimise themselves, and fail to showcase their true abilities.  Laurie helps her clients identify their career goals and provides practical guidance on CVs, appli...

This Brave Conversation is with Jax Higginson, organiser of the North East Skinny Dip , the UK's largest organised mass nude sea-swimming event. It has become an inclusive community that supports mental health and provides a sense of purpose. Participating allows people to let go of self-judgement and find freedom and joy in their bodies. NESD has also raised over £140k for the charity MIND. Find...

Donna Ashworth on being a "tiger mum", and supporting a child with Additional Support Needs. This Brave Conversation takes in overcoming fears, dealing with judgement, and stepping into your own version of 'brave'. Donna is a Sunday Times best selling author. Her ninth book of poems "Growing Brave" is released on the 3rd of September.  Her website is here . The school mentioned in the episode...

Molly Fenton is a campaigner for women's health and period dignity from Cardiff. Now in her early twenties, she started the award-winning Love Your Period campaign while she was still in school, and couldn't find period products during an important exam. She says she wants to tackle period poverty and stigma, and to be the 'big sister' that women and girls might need. Find Love Your Period on Inst...

CONTENT WARNING: sexual violence, rape Madeleine shares her story of having been brutally and multiply raped as a young teenager, as part of a mission to end shame, stigma, and silence. She's an author, public speaker, and hosts her own ' Unbroken - healing through storytelling ' podcast. Mentioned in this episode: Be brave with Firewalk Scotland To find out more about Lee's work with Firewalk Sco...

When Pamela's mum read her bedtime stories, she would stop to talk to the other people in the room - people only she could hear. Pamela is what is known as a COPMI - the child of a parent with mental illness. Today, she hosts the My Family, Mental Illness… and Me podcast for the charity Our Time, the only UK charity dedicated to supporting and advocating for children who are growing up with a pare...

Anna Donaghey used to drink alcohol in a way that was negatively impacting her life - so she decided to make a change. She no longer drinks at all - and has become an Alcohol Mindset coach, to help others improve their relationships with alcohol. Anna's podcast is The Big Drink Rethink .

Kavita Varu's first ever DJ set was to celebrate her own 50th birthday - a livestream during Covid with family and friends. She's gone on to support Pete Tong, and to DJ in Ibiza and around the world. Her story is a powerful and inspiring demonstration that it's never too late to pursue your hopes and dreams. Find Kavita online here .

Children's author, award-winning graphic designer, and speaker Elke Thompson talks about confronting death through her own difficult experiences - and how she has become an expert about speaking to children about the big things in life. Elke's website is here .

Intimate, personal and inspiring conversations about what bravery looks and feels like. As lead instructor at Firewalk Scotland , Lee Walls knows a thing or two about overcoming fears. Subscribe to Brave Conversations in your podcast player now, to ensure that all episodes are automatically downloaded to your device as soon as they are released.